I just bought my first boat and motor and am excited to get on the water. The boat is a 1975 16' Charger Bass Boat, the engine is a 1974 50 HP Mercury. However, I first need to figure out a few things. The guy I bought the boat/motor from said he bought a new one last year and that the boat/motor has been sitting for a year or two. Overall the engine seems to be in great shape. I've been told I should put new fluid in the lower unit, which I plan on doing this weekend. Are there other things I need to take care of on the engine before I take it out? I dont have a service or owners manual, but would be interested in obtaining one if someone knows where.<br /><br />Also, the engine has a tilt/trim motor. The guy told me it needed new brushes and that he had just never gotten around to fixing that. The motor is apart and upon inspection I noticed the bushing that holds the top of the coil in place has been scratched and marred all over. I could try and straighten it out and just leave it, but would like to replace it if the part isn't to hard to find. I am curious if the brushes and bushing are easy items to locate? Would it be just as easy to purchase a new motor? I am definitly willing to do more work if it will save me money. I also wouldn't be opposed to just taking the motor out and making it a manual tilt. How complex an operation is that? I am not sure what brand the motor is, it really doesnt say. There is a number stamped on the side which could be a serial number, not sure. If that number would help anyone in knowing what to do, I'll go get it and post it on here. Thanks for any help you all can give me.
